Southern California -- this just in

Mother of soccer team hazing victim: 'I just want justice'

September 25, 2012 | 6:38
am

The mother of one of four teenagers allegedly sexually assaulted in a soccer team hazing ritual at La Puente High School said she worried about retaliation and wanted her son "out of this school district."

Four students at La Puente High School were arrested on suspicion of
assault in connection with allegations they hazed younger boys
on the varsity soccer team by sexually assaulting them a pole, authorities said Monday. A
coach, who was not named, has been placed on administrative leave.

Law enforcement sources,
not authorized to publicly discuss specifics while the investigation is
ongoing, said that in at least one instance there is evidence that a
pole or stick was used to sodomize a minor. In that case, the boy sought
medical treatment for his injuries.

"I just want justice and my son to be safe," said the woman, who was
standing outside the school Monday with about 30 protesters. "I never thought something
so awful could happen here."

An attorney who represents three of the alleged victims said Monday the coach knew of the hazing, and the boys' families plan to
sue the district.

"A lawsuit is the only way to get any leverage
over the school district and to force it change its ways," said Brian
Claypool, who also represents dozens of parents in the Miramonte
Elementary School case, in which a teacher with the L.A. Unified School
District is charged with feeding students his semen.

Claypool told
reporters at a news conference the sexual abuse was widespread and
that several boys were attacked with a pole inside the soccer storage
room — part of a hazing ritual for all new varsity players.

Claypool
said two 14-year-old boys were jumped by several older players and then
penetrated with a "javelin-like object," while a third boy, 15, "fought
for his life" and despite being covered in bruises, managed to fend
off the assailants and grab the pole.

The four students were cited and released to their parents last week
while prosecutors consider charges. The alleged assaults are believed to
have occurred on the school grounds and are suspected of being part of a
hazing ritual for new players on the Warriors' championship varsity
soccer team.

Sheriff's Special Victims
Unit detectives, who have interviewed more than 70 people so far,
initiated the investigation after a parent of one of the alleged victims
contacted authorities. Detectives have identified at least four
students, ages 14 and 15, and believe the hazing has been going on for
several years, Sgt. Dan Scott said.

There is no evidence at this stage,
Scott said, that the coach was present during the alleged attacks but
confirmed that he is under investigation.

"This is deeply disturbing to me and the entire community...." said
Hacienda La Puente Unified School District Supt. Barbara Nakaoka, who
said the school's parents were notified in a letter and telephone call
on Friday. "We do not and will not turn a blind eye to reports of
harassment or hazing."